Medically reviewed by: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Founder and Owner, MAHI Multispecialty Hospital, Kilpauk, Chennai

Last medically reviewed: October 2026

Bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to support movement. Problems affecting these structures can make walking, lifting objects, exercising or completing everyday activities difficult.

Orthopaedic care involves assessing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. These may result from injuries, arthritis, age-related changes, repetitive activities or other medical conditions.

If you are searching for an Orthopedic Surgeon in Kilpauk, understanding the cause of your symptoms is a useful starting point. Treatment depends on the affected area, the severity of the condition, your medical history and how the problem affects your daily life. Not every orthopaedic condition requires surgery.

When Should You Seek an Orthopaedic Assessment?

Pain after physical activity may settle with rest, but persistent or recurring symptoms deserve attention, especially when they interfere with normal movement.

Consider seeking an assessment if you experience:

• Knee or hip pain that makes walking or climbing stairs difficult.
• Joint swelling, stiffness or restricted movement.
• Shoulder pain that affects lifting or dressing.
• Repeated sports injuries or a feeling of joint instability.
• Back or neck discomfort accompanied by movement difficulties.
• Pain that continues despite appropriate initial care.

A suspected fracture, visible deformity after an injury, or sudden inability to bear weight requires urgent medical assessment. New weakness, loss of sensation or loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain also requires emergency evaluation.

Symptoms alone cannot establish a diagnosis. A clinical examination helps determine whether further investigation or specialist treatment is needed.

Which Conditions are Assessed by an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

Orthopaedic conditions vary considerably. Some can be managed with rehabilitation and other non-surgical measures, while others may require an operation.

Knee and hip conditions

Osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, cartilage damage and other conditions affecting the knee or hip may cause pain and restricted movement. Assessment helps establish the extent of the problem and identify suitable treatment options.

Shoulder and other joint problems

Shoulder stiffness, rotator cuff injuries and joint instability can interfere with lifting, reaching and routine activities. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and functional limitations.

Sports and ligament injuries

Ligament tears, meniscal injuries, tendon problems and muscle strains may occur during sports or everyday activities. Treatment can involve rehabilitation, activity modification or surgery, depending on the injury.

Fractures and traumatic injuries

Broken bones and injuries around joints require assessment to determine the type of injury and appropriate management. Treatment may involve immobilisation, fracture reduction or surgical fixation.

How is the Cause of Bone or Joint Pain Identified?

A consultation generally begins with questions about when the symptoms started, what makes them worse, whether an injury occurred and how the problem affects daily activities.

The examination may include assessing joint movement, muscle strength, tenderness, stability and walking. Depending on the findings, investigations may include X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or blood tests.

Not every patient needs every investigation. The choice depends on the suspected condition and whether the result will help guide treatment.

The findings are considered alongside the patient’s medical history and functional needs. This helps the clinician explain the diagnosis, discuss possible treatment options and identify when another specialist’s input may be appropriate.

Treatment Options: Starting With the Right Approach

Treatment should match the diagnosis rather than follow the same plan for every patient.

Non-surgical treatment may include physiotherapy, appropriate exercises, changes to activities, medication prescribed after assessment, supportive devices or selected injections when clinically indicated.

Surgical treatment may be discussed for particular fractures, significant joint damage, certain ligament injuries or other conditions when an operation is considered appropriate. The type of procedure depends on the condition and the patient’s individual circumstances.

For advanced knee or hip joint damage, the clinician may discuss partial or total joint replacement. Robotic-assisted technology may be an option for selected procedures, but it is not necessary for every patient and does not guarantee a particular outcome.

Patients should understand the expected benefits, risks, alternatives, recovery requirements and costs before deciding on treatment.

Meet Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal: Professional Background

Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal’s published professional profile identifies him as an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon with clinical interests in knee and hip surgery, including robotic-assisted joint replacement.

His published qualifications and training include:

• MBBS from Mysore University.
• MS in Orthopaedics from Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai.
• Fellowship training in joint replacement surgery at Breach Candy and Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
• Advanced joint arthroplasty fellowship training at St. Josef Bruderkrankenhaus Hospital, Germany.
• Further fellowship training in joint replacement and arthroscopy at Sportsmed Hospital, Australia.

His website lists professional affiliations with MAHI Multispecialty Hospital in Kilpauk and MGM Healthcare in Aminjikarai, Chennai. Current roles, qualifications and registration details should be confirmed with the relevant institutions and official records before publication.

His listed areas of clinical practice include knee and hip joint replacement and the assessment of musculoskeletal conditions for which surgical treatment may be considered.

When evaluating an orthopedic surgeon in Kilpauk, patients can review verifiable qualifications, registration details and relevant training. They should also be able to ask questions about their diagnosis, treatment alternatives, surgical risks and rehabilitation needs.

This professional information is intended to help readers understand the doctor’s background. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of outcomes or a claim that one practitioner is superior to another.

What Happens After Treatment?

Recovery depends on the condition being treated and the type of treatment provided. Some musculoskeletal problems improve with changes to activity and guided rehabilitation. Recovery after surgery may involve wound care, walking aids, prescribed exercises and scheduled follow-up visits.

Patients should follow their individual treatment plan and discuss any concerns with their healthcare team. Increasing pain, fever, wound discharge or new symptoms after surgery may require prompt medical review.

Long-term care may also involve maintaining appropriate physical activity, following prescribed exercises and seeking reassessment if symptoms return or worsen.

Preparing for Your First Consultation

Before your appointment with an orthopedic doctor in Kilpauk, prepare a list of your symptoms, when they started, medicines you take and any previous scan reports. This information can help the doctor understand your concerns and plan the assessment.

• Bring relevant X-rays, scans and previous medical reports.
• Make a list of medicines and existing medical conditions.
• Note when the symptoms began and which activities affect them.
• Explain any previous treatment and whether it helped.
• Ask about the diagnosis, alternatives, possible risks and expected follow-up.

These details help the clinician understand the problem and explain the available options. Patients should have the opportunity to make an informed decision after discussing the relevant information.

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